Five Tips for Placing Deer Blinds on a West Texas Hunting Ranch

Setting up a deer blind on a West Texas hunting property is an important decision to determine a successful hunting season. At Ekdahl Real Estate, we know hunters want both success and respect for their neighbors. A well-placed blind can make the difference between a rewarding season and one filled with missed opportunities. Here are five key tips to guide your setup.

1. Follow the Wildlife Corridors

Deer naturally travel along established routes—often called “funnels” or “travel corridors.” Placing your blind where you can see these natural highways gives you a front-row seat to consistent movement. Look for areas where trails converge, between feeding and bedding sites, or along creek bottoms and brushy draws.

2. Watch the Sun

Nothing spoils a morning hunt like staring directly into the rising sun. When setting up, consider a north-south orientation for your blind. This helps you avoid sun glare during prime morning and evening hunting times while also working with prevailing seasonal winds—usually from the north during the late season.

3. Play the Wind to Your Advantage

The prevailing wind is a critical factor to also consider when placing your deer blind. In West Texas, winds shift with the seasons.

Early season: expect southerly winds.

Winter hunts: you’ll often see a steady north wind.

Your scent will travel with the breeze, and a poorly positioned blind can ruin a hunt before it starts. Always think about where the deer will approach from and position your blind so the wind is in your favor.

4. Respect Your Neighbor’s Land

Nothing ruins a hunt faster than conflict with the property next door. Always make sure your blind is facing into your land and not toward your neighbor’s. As a rule of thumb, keep your blind at least 100 yards off the fence line—and if you want to be extra cautious, push it back 200 yards. The best layout is simple: neighbor’s fence – blind – feeder. This setup keeps your shots safe and your neighbors happy.

5. Choose the Right Blind: Ground or Elevated

The type of blind you select can elevate your hunting experience—literally.

Ground Blinds are best for smaller openings and areas where you’ll be close to the action. They’re easy to set up, blend naturally with brush, and offer an intimate hunting feel.
Elevated Blinds shine when you need a longer field of view. From above the brush, you can cover more ground and spot deer at a distance.

Safety & Setup Tips

Anchoring: Always secure your blind properly. Avoid t-posts, which are unreliable anchors. Instead, use concrete-set posts or screw/duck-foot anchors for stability. Placing quality anchors under your blind can remove the need for additional guy wires—which can be hazard in the dark from people walking into them or UTV/vehicle driving into them.
Tower Height: Most blinds range from five to ten feet tall. Use natural topography to your advantage before opting for taller towers, which catch more wind.
Accessibility: Consider blinds with porches and staircases. These make it safer for elderly hunters and easier for families with kids and gear.
Visibility: Choose a spot with a good vista. Not only does this improve your hunt, but it also creates a place for non-hunters to enjoy the outdoors. After all, part of ranch life is sharing the experience with friends and family.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right spot for your deer blind on a West Texas hunting ranch takes a mix of scouting, consideration for neighbors, and an understanding of the land. Start by identifying travel corridors, keep a safe distance from fence lines, choose the right blind for the terrain, and never forget to think about the wind and the sun. With these steps, you’ll set yourself up for a safe and successful season.

At Ekdahl Real Estate, we help landowners not only find their dream ranch but also maximize its potential—whether that’s for hunting, agriculture production or investment. If you’re looking for your own West Texas hunting property, our team is here to help.